East London townhouse - advice on changes in kitchen?
Hello! We are moving into our new house in east London in a few weeks and have decided to do the kitchen ourselves. We are keeping the basic structure, as in approx 3 years we'll do an extension, so want to keep changes small until then/not spend too much. Here is what we thought (pics from estate agent):
1. Remove plastic worktops with DIY concrete worktops + change backsplash, taps and sink
2. Want to paint the whole kitchen white (currently in a dull blue/grey)
3. Take away all cupboards on top and replace with open shelving (old reclaimed wood or metal industrial shelving)
4. Paint the lower cupboards - QUESTION: What colour and is it even possible to paint these ones, they are in plastic?
5. Open fire place - it is an original, but hate the look of it. QUESTION: Would it look good if we painted it? Can you paint it (it is stone)?
In addition to help with the 2 questions above, I would love to hear any ideas you might have that we can easily change/upgrade ourselves - other than listed.
Comments (14)
PROGoldman and Rankin
7 years agolast modified: 7 years ago
Daisy England
7 years agoRelated Discussions
Open plan kitchen in 3-storey townhouse
Comments (23)Sadly we concluded that the quotes we got (~£30k upwards) didn't warrant the benefit, and we've since moved house - albeit for different reasons. The closest we got was to continue the stairs straight to where the WC was and create a little hallway for the end of the stairs and the front door to open into, thereby not having the kitchen open to the stairs any more. This also gave us the ability to have slightly more space in the kitchen as well, so changed to units down the RH side, with an island where it is in this picture, and then add glass or pocket doors into the front room, to allow it to be used as a playroom. I hope that helps you somehow!...See More60s townhouse exterior dilemma...
Comments (17)One has to question what is going on here, as you appear to feel your house does not make a 'good enough' statement? My first reaction to the exterior was to recoil at the rather 'pushy' cars parked outside, plus the tragic pvc door and weatherboarding! Apart from that the house looks to be quite a sensible, space-efficient design with the reduced heat losses that a terrace brings... Your house is not an individual, but is part of a row of three or even more, meaning that anything you do should take into account the others, be sympathetic and integrate with them. My attitude as a sustainable design consultant would be to only spend money on things that really need upgrading, and only do that with the greatest care so that you do not harm the structure and take into account condensation risk etc. Think carefully about the effect all your changes will make to heat loss and your space heating requirements! Also consider any possible overheating via glazing and be aware that glass has one of the highest carbon footprints while insulation is really low. Remember that every penny you spend earning money comes with an environmental footprint, and when you spend this money you then add a further environmental impact! The obvious areas which could be improved are wall insulation, glazing, doors and air-tightness. Any new glazing should be designed to give really low whole-window U values and should use warm-edge spacers. For me PVC is out of the question as it is rubbish, looks tacky and reduces glazing area. If you are using timber, then look into using Accoya, douglas fir or oak. Velfac certainly make quality windows and doors, but it would be better if all the houses installed them to keep the facade consistent. Thermally broken Nordan, SAS Pure, Aluprof slimline are other windows/doors to check out. If the weatherboarding is to be replaced, then I would advise using Marley Eternit Cedral or Cedral Click (Cembrit also offer a pressed cement board) which will never rot, but again, consider getting your neighbours to join in). You can paint this yourself with Dulux weathershield. Most cedar cladding looks awful once the UV light starts to break it down and the rain gets in. To me, the way we live our lives on the planet is much more important than the way things 'look'. People are exploited by the fashion and interior design companies into spending money on short-term whims and froth which all impact on the resources the planet creates for us. That is not to say that good design is unimportant -take a Harry Bertoia chair for instance - classics that just go on for ever. My motto is KEEP IT SIMPLE & SUSTAINABLE - QUALITY RATHER THAN QUANTITY. Hope this is helpful....See MoreWhat colour units for a north east facing kitchen
Comments (32)After waiting 2 weeks from January order of oak window sill, ledge shelves and flat shelves that arrived 4 months later, then another month for fitter to find half a day to fit us in... TOMORROW'S THE DAY. And we're ready. Might even get some 'after' photos on here....See MoreBefore & After - 4 story 1970’s townhouse in Highgate, London
Comments (12)Great job! Best award for the trades people is to be part of a complex house renovation and stunning final result obviously. Lot's of stress and hard work but it pays off for both - customer and trader. Well done!...See More
PROKatie Malik Design Studio
7 years ago
Vlad I
7 years agoAs seen on my epic drawing©®™ below, the top shelves I'd throw out cause you've got way too many as seen on other picture, the lower one I'd move this side of the green line, then past the green line it would be one living space with siding doors towards outside patio(semi covered with glass mini roof) and the fireplace left where it is just throw 1/2 chairs/divans in front of it. but just lighten up the space with white walls, white ceramic tiling and nice modern sofa + glass table(double paid sheet on both sides so you don't get glass everywhere if/when it gets smashed lol), tv+ shelving.. but keep it minimalistic..5/6 items tops including the shelving around TV.
Jonathan
7 years ago- PRO
Josefina
7 years ago minnie101
7 years agoHi Josefina. It looks a fantastic space although you could do cartwheels down the middle :) If the laminate is firmly attached to the doors then you should be able to paint them. I like the idea of shelves on the main run if you have the budget for wall repairs. As Jonathan said you may end up with a hole in the larder (?) unit so may need to remove that unit and re-use the side panel on the base unit. I'd definitely remove the unit over the bin but would consider leaving the sink Ones for storage. I'd stick with the existing worktop, I don't know if you have previous experience of a concrete worktop but it doesn't sound easy and would need to check units could support I think. If you can I would also change the tap. I've seen green appear a few times in your ideabook so tried finding a pic with similar doors to see if you like them. Would also go with brass for handles. I might just use washable white paint on the walls to save money on a splashback. I must admit I like the fire and it's adding character so I wouldn't remove it personally however I would remove the fender and change the hearth. If not then I'd paint the stone or replace the surround. Is there room for a small round table for 4 beneath the light with either a glass table or clear acrylic chairs such as eames? A built in bookcase would be great next to the fire but it depends on your extension plans. If you watch tv I'd consider a small chaise sofa on the lhs with a tv opposite and chair in the corner nearest the kitchen to keep the bifold door free. Perhaps either a slim footstool or glass coffee table depending on seating needs. I might also paint the bifolds black :)
Carolina
7 years agoCarolina
7 years agoCarolina
7 years agokikiamack
7 years agoJonathan
7 years agolast modified: 7 years ago
PROCatherine White Interiors
7 years ago
Anna Auzins Interiors Ltd.